Many schools in the US are banning the use of phones in the hope of improving learning quality and minimizing negative problems in the educational environment. However, this regulation still causes a lot of controversy between schools, parents and students.
At some schools, students have to put their phones in their lockers every morning and can only open them at the end of the school day. Many students are not satisfied with this method, but some also admit that limiting the use of phones helps them concentrate more in class. However, there are still cases where students try to circumvent the law, such as bringing fake phones to avoid regulations.
Principals of some schools said the ban has helped reduce distractions, limit online bullying and prevent students from evading school. This is also a common trend in the world, as many countries such as Brazil and France have also applied similar measures.
Proponents believe the ban will help protect students from the negative effects of smartphones, while oppositionists say this method does not help students prepare well for the digital world.
Some studies have shown that using social media can increase the risk of psychological problems such as anxiety and depression in adolescents. Many campaign organizations have used these studies to call for a ban on phones in schools.
The ban has also received rare consensus in the context of the US being divided on most other political issues. According to data from the Ministry of Education, about 76% of public schools nationwide have some forms of ban on using phones for non-study purposes. Several states are also implementing or considering a statewide ban.
Teachers also support the policy, with 90% of National Education Association members approving the regulation limiting cell phones during class hours. According to Sabine Polak, co-founder of the "Schools without Phones" movement, children are not old enough to control the use of technology well, so banking is necessary.
However, some parents did not agree. Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents' Union, said that instead of camors, schools should educate students about how to use technology in a healthy way. She compared the ban to education programs to curb sex, saying that avoiding the problem rather than instructing children is an ineffective approach.
Although the phone ban is becoming more and more popular in schools, the debate over its effectiveness is endless. While some students and teachers see clear benefits, many others still question the long-term impact of this policy on the development of students in the digital world.
